Another scandal: Malaysian weightlifter suspended after testing positive for steroid use

National weightlifter Hafifi Mansor in action during the 2016 Rio Olympics. Hafifi for testing positive for the anabolic steroid oxymetholone, announces the International Weightlifting Federation (IWF). File pic by ROSLI RAHMAT.

KUALA LUMPUR: After the doping and rape incidents involving national divers as well as a volunteer wheelchair tennis coach being jailed recently for sodomy, Malaysian sports has been hit by yet another blow.

The International Weightlifting Federation (IWF) via its official website, announced that they have provisionally suspended national weightlifter Hafifi Mansor for testing positive for the anabolic steroid oxymetholone.

Hafifi, a gold medalist at the 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games, could face a four-year suspension as oxymetholone is classified as a performance enhancing substance which boosts the production of red blood cells and promotes muscle growth.

It is viewed as a serious offence by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA), and is placed under the S1 (anabolic agents) category.

Hafifi, however, has the option to have his B sample tested.

MWF president Datuk Ong Poh Eng, in response, claimed that the Malaysian Weightlifting Federation (MWF) is in the dark over the issue and will seek clarification from IWF.

“We only found out about this yesterday and are unclear on the details of when the test was conducted,” said Ong.

“From what we understand, the sample was taken during an event in Melbourne in March. However, this is something I will have to confirm with IWF and I will be contacting them,” he said.

Ong said he met with Hafifi today.

“He said he did not take anything (with banned substances). Whatever it is, I have to get more details before we can decide on what further action to take.”

It is believed that the urine sample was taken during the Australian Open held in Melbourne in March, where Hafifi had won the men's under-69kg class gold.

Hafifi could not be reached for comment. However, a reliable source close to the athlete disclosed that he is keen on having his B sample tested.